The Gypsy At Sunrise

Chapter 6: Savior

Saviour

Manhattan Rehabilitation Services, New York 

Week 1, June 2011

As soon as I hit the pillow, my eyes drooped and I fell fast asleep.

Out of the darkness I saw a fire. It was a small glint at first, but it gradually became bigger and bigger until I was surrounded by a circle of it.  

I tried to find a way out but it was impossible.

There was no way out.

 I couldn’t find my way.

 My confidence shattered and I was left feeling helpless and vulnerable.

I could smell the burning oil.

 I could hear the crackling.

 I could see the red.

 I could feel a burning all over me.

I think I am going to Hell right now. Was I being punished by God? It didn’t make sense. I fought for him, for his sake! Why should he condemn me?

My nose started to wrinkle, my heart churned in my chest; I could feel tears filling my eyes. A sob escaped my lips, followed by another and another. I sat down, brought my knees up to my chest, and rocked back and forth, crying hard.

It was moments after that I felt a light cool breeze running along my bare shoulders. It was then that I realized that I was wearing a dress. I looked down at this simple white dress and wondered how I got into it. I wasn’t burning anymore, the sound of the crackling stopped and the burning oil smell was gone.

I looked up and saw a light at the end of this dark place. It was so bright white.

It was so beautiful.

I used my trembling hand to push myself off the ground, and walked towards it, almost falling down after the first step. Whenever I thought I was getting close, the light seems to be moving backwards. I felt so tired and weak, sweat trickling down my forehead and the back of my neck. Small pointy goose bumps prickled over my skin as I shuddered.

My body had a mind of its own; it kept running towards the light. My mind was somewhere else; it felt as if I was using someone else’s body. My hand reached towards the light, but deep down I knew it was no use. It was too far away, and I was too weak.

I crumbled unto the ground, panting hard, closing my eyes shut.

I stayed there for a few long moments, until I heard a snap of a branch.

 I slowly opened my wet eyes and released myself from my fetal position. I was on the outskirts of a large forest and to my left, was a cliff. Leaves were scattered all over the ground, a light fog around me. The moon shone high above in the night sky and the flashy lights of New York City twinkled in the distance. A crow let out a bloodcurling call.

There it is again. Another snap.

 I let a shaky breath, looking at my surroundings frantically.

“Who’s there?” My voice was hoarse and choppy; my throat felt like it was burned by a hell fire. A shiver ran down my spine.

For the first time in many years, I was scared for my life. I had no weapon with me. Nothing to protect me. I was alone, unarmed, with a predator.